Setting and still holding the British records in the 800m and 1000m, Kelly is an Olympic, Commonwealth and European champion that has achieved seven Gold, eight Silver and four Bronze medals throughout her career. This includes her double win in the 800m and 1500m at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, becoming the first Briton in over 80 years to do so. After her Olympic success, she won BBC Sports Personality of the Year, European Athlete of the Year and was honoured with a Damehood from the Queen.
Kelly was raised by her mum on a council estate in Kent. She attended the local secondary school where, due to the belief and support of her PE teacher, she pursued her talent at running. Ferried to race meetings up and down the country by her family, she knows the importance of having a supportive team.
At 18, Kelly left professional running to pursue her first dream, to be in the British army. She became an HGV driver and then a Physical Training Instructor, before being awarded an MBE for services to the British Army in 1998. In 2018, Kelly was appointed Honorary Colonel of the Royal Armoured Corps, marking her return to the army.

The accolade was approved by Her Majesty the Queen, making it the first time an individual has been appointed Honorary Colonel to a regular unit.
Kelly could never shift the dream of Olympic gold that she had since a child, but it was a very tough journey there. Her running career was overshadowed with repeated injury and disappointment. Recurring physical injuries contributed to periods of clinical depression and self-harm that continued to affect her just one year before her Olympic double win.
Soon after this win, Kelly set up the  Dame Kelly Holmes Trust . The charity helps guide disadvantaged young people, getting their lives back on track by using world class athletes to engage, enable and empower, attitudes they need to fulfil a positive life. She encourages the same philosophy that she lives by, nothing is impossible.

Topics
You may want to go deeper into a topic for your audience. The keynote topics can be tailored and developed to suit your audience needs, be it a 90-minute Masterclass , a half-day or full-day workshop or a full online or face-to-face programme. Please contact one of our expert team to discuss.

• Motivation
• Mental health in the workplace
• Performance, resilience and overcoming adversity
• Inspiration and leadership
• Goal setting and high performing teams
• Health, wellbeing and nutrition
• Sports and peak performance
• Women’s empowerment

“Kelly arrived to a huge welcome from the Panasonic team which was then followed by an outstanding motivational speech by Kelly. All of the Panasonic team were inspired by Kelly’s experiences, words or wisdom and encouragement for the fiscal year ahead.”  Cyril Wood, Managing Director of Panasonic UK

“You really inspired and motivated the delegates to achieve their life goals, through an interactive and fun session. Your style made for a stunning presentation which engaged the audience 100%.”  Jane Underwood, Shell

As we reflect on the remarkable journey of two-time Olympic Gold Medallist Dame Kelly Holmes, we celebrate not just her extraordinary achievements but also her enduring impact as a role model and inspiration worldwide.
Dame Kelly’s story began when she joined the British Army at just 17, where she served for nearly a decade as a qualified HGV driver and Physical Training Instructor. Her dedication and service were recognised in 1998 when she was awarded an MBE by the now King Charles, honouring her contributions to the armed forces.
Her illustrious athletic career spanned 12 years, during which she claimed multiple medals at the Commonwealth, European, World, and Olympic levels. The pinnacle of her career came in 2004 at the Athens Olympic Games, where she made history as the first British woman ever to win two gold medals in a single Olympics, triumphing in the 800m and 1500m events. In recognition of her monumental achievements in sport, she was honoured with a Damehood by the late Queen Elizabeth in 2005.
In 2008, Dame Kelly founded the Dame Kelly Holmes Trust , a groundbreaking initiative that pairs world-class athletes with disadvantaged youth, empowering them to realize their potential. Her philanthropic efforts have garnered numerous accolades, including the Beacon Award for Philanthropy in 2017 and the Sport and Recreation Alliance’s Arthur Bell Trophy in 2023.
From 2018 to 2024, Dame Kelly held the prestigious role of Honorary Colonel of the Royal Armoured Corps Training Regiment, making history as the first individual to be attached to a regular regiment in this capacity—an appointment that required the approval of the late Queen Elizabeth.

Dame Kelly’s influence extends beyond athletics. In 2024, she received an Honorary Fellowship from the Royal College of Psychiatrists, adding to a remarkable collection of 13 honorary degrees she has received since retiring. Her powerful documentary, “Kelly Holmes: Being Me,” aired in June 2022, showcasing her journey toward authenticity and her commitment to advocating for diversity and inclusion.
As a global inspirational and motivational speaker for over 20 years, a TV presenter, and a trained Mental Health First Aider, Dame Kelly continues to be a voice for change. She embodies resilience, determination, and the spirit of empowerment, serving as a true trailblazer for countless causes.
Dame Kelly Holmes—a beacon of strength, a champion of change, and a relentless advocate for those striving for greatness.

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